Coach Corbin Quote: Gabe is ready to challenge for some playing time after redshirting last year. He is very versatile; can play SS, 3B or 2B. He's improved as a hitter and in his ability to drive the ball. Defensively, he has good actions with a solid throwing arm.

2008: Redshirted his first year on campus ... Hit .317 with 12 RBI in 63 at-bats for Stark County in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League.

High School: Listed as the No. 9 prospect in Virginia by Baseball America entering the June 2007 draft ... Played his high school baseball at Notre Dame Academy in Middleburg, Va. ... Helped guide team to back-to-back state championships in 2006-07. Earned state champ MVP honors both years ... MVP of the Southeastern Baseball Classic in 2007 ... Captured all-state and all-conference honors in 2006-07 ... Named team MVP in 2006 ... Two-year letterwinner ... Hit .460 with 11 homers and 53 RBI as a senior and .490 with seven homers and 52 RBI as a junior.

Personal: Gabriel Ernesto Ortiz ... Born 8/30/88 .... Son of Genaro and Dinorah Ortiz ... Has a sister, Nicole ... An economics major... Favorites include Alex Rodriguez, Derek Jeter, Rafael Nadal and Lost... Late night snack is cookies ... Favorite vacation spot is Cancun... Chose Vanderbilt because it has the best two things in the world, great academics and baseball.